Blog

The LGiU Scotland blog is a space for us – and you – to comment on Scottish news, share opinions and debate issues facing local government in Scotland. You can comment on any of the posts below; if you would like to contribute a new post contact Hannah Muirhead.

Johanna Boyd, the first woman to lead Stirling Council and the youngest Council Leader in Scotland, blogs for us on what a week in the life of a Leader looks like. There is no such thing as a typical week for either a councillor or a Council Leader and that…

Catherine Fieschi, Executive Director of Counterpoint, sees signs of a new force in French politics as Emmanuel Macron has found a formula that appeals to voters from different ends of the spectrum. As French voters hurtle towards the 23 April and the first round of the French presidential election, the threat from the…

Trust is key to any relationship; David Evans looks at how solid community engagement can increase the levels of trust between local government and residents. Writing nearly a decade ago, in an era when public trust was a less burning issue than today, the think tank DEMOS put their finger…

Richard Kerley, Chair of the Centre for Scottish Public Policy, explains why the independence referendum won’t help local government with the day job. Whether your reaction to the First Minister announcement of yesterday is “Here we go… here we go… here we go…” or a more plaintive “Here we go – again”,…

On Wednesday, Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond delivered his spring Budget to the House of Commons. LGiU’s Hannah Muirhead takes a quick look at what’s in it for Scotland, at the local level and on a wider scale, and at reactions from opposition parties and elsewhere.

This International Women’s Day, Charlotte Maddix takes a look at why women aren’t better represented in Scottish local government (and how you can help change that). Earlier today we published a briefing on the experiences of women working in Scottish local government (LGiU Scotland members only). As we’ve pointed out…

Council Tax was introduced in Scotland in 1993, replacing the former Community Charge (Poll Tax). Council Tax helps to pay for Council services, is set locally, collected locally, and retained locally. With Council Tax currently at the forefront of minds in local government, LGiU Scotland Associate George Black, explores how much…

Claire Carpenter, Founder and Managing Director of the Melting Pot (LGiU Scotland’s home from home in Edinburgh) on supporting entrepreneurs, creating new social enterprises and making Scotland a world leader in coworking. We launched the Coworking Accelerator Network, in November. The product of years of work from myself and the team…